Thousands of visitors got a spectacular musical treat yesterday as the Sage Gateshead threw open its doors to the public.

The glass-fronted concourse was packed with cameras and performers as a throng of excited folk made their way through the acclaimed £70m building.

Its sponsor, software firm Sage, had provided free tickets for music lovers to enjoy the opening weekend.

Inside the architectural masterpiece, designed by Sir Norman Foster, organisers laid on an array of entertainment catering for a variety of musical tastes including a 40-minute concert by members of Northern Sinfonia.

Spectators in groups of 1500 were allowed in every three hours to sample the atmosphere.

Once through the doors they saw one-man bands, folk groups, drummers and other performers including an aerial acrobatic display by the Fidget Feet Aerialists.

The stunning building, with its spectacular curved roof of glass and steel, dominates the Gateshead Quayside near the Tyne Bridge and is worth visiting just to see the unparalleled views overlooking the river.

Its 1700-seat concert hall is stunning and the second auditorium, believed to be the only 10-sided performing arts space in the world, has unrivalled acoustics.

Delighted Sage Gateshead spokeswoman Beth Sibbald said: "Today has gone really well. The reaction has been fantastic and it's been a great success."

Among the acts due to appear at the Sage over the coming months are Sting, Nick Cave, the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and opera star Lesley Garrett.

What the first visitors think

Trevor Craig, 27, from Sandyford, Newcastle, said: "It is brilliant. There is so much space and I like the balconies as you get such a great view outside.

"It's about time we had something like this instead of it always being London. The music range is great and I'll definitely be coming here a lot. It's worth every penny."

Lynn Simpson, from Washington, Tyne and Wear, said: "It is great. It is better than I thought it was going to be. The variety of music on offer and the size of the halls are fantastic.

"I'm a huge music lover and it will be brilliant not to have to travel around the country to see things and come here instead."

Michael Jordan, 43, from Elswick, Newcastle, said: "I think it looks like a big slug. It's good inside but I don't know if it is my type of thing.